Last Child in the Woods

In my discussion group for Ed Psych, we read the book "Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv. In this book he brings "nature-deficit disorder" to the forefront. Our children used to play outside, building forts and tree houses. Now all kids do is sit inside and play video games or watch tv, because playing outside is seen as too dangerous and people don't want law suits on their hands. As Frank Wilson, a professor of neurology put it, "We cutting off our hands to spite our brains". Children ages 8-18 yrs spend approximately 6.5 hours a day plugged in electronically. (45 hrs a week) Our schools are not helping the nature-deficit either, nearly 40% of American Elementary Schools either eliminated or were considering eliminating recess. This is reflective of the dramatic increase in diagnosis of ADHD as well. Between 2000 and 2003, spending on ADHD for preschoolers increased 369%.

So, my group made an I-movie to get the word out about the book, and give people some advice as to what they can do to help children, so they are the last child in the woods. You can view the video by simply clicking on the title above! ; )